Encompassing the combined resources of technology, processes and people, the GSM-R System delivers secure and reliable driver-signaller communications.
Improving safety, performance and passenger experience, it also provides the foundation for building a modern, sustainable, digitally-enabled railway network with increased capacity and lower running costs.
What is the GSM-R System?
The GSM-R SystemRoute control manager’s fixed terminal
Signaller’s fixed terminal
Electrical control operator’s fixed terminal
In-cab radioGSM-R mobile technology
Mobile switching centre
Base station controller
The GSM-R System
Provided in each driving cab for use by competent members of the train crew who are authorised (such as drivers), this enables the driver and signaller to communicate with each other.
GSM-R mobile technology
In-cab radio
Base station controller (BSC)
Mobile switching centre (MSC)
Fixed terminal
There is a network of radio base stations at the side of the track at regular intervals. These provide radio coverage for the in-cab radio and people using the GSM-R System. This coverage includes tunnels, cuttings and station areas.
Base station controller (BSC)
In-cab radio
Mobile switching centre (MSC)
Fixed terminal
The GSM-R System
GSM-R mobile technology
This is a network element that controls and monitors a number of base stations while also providing the interface between the cell sites and the mobile switching centre.
In-cab radio
Base station controller (BSC)
Mobile switching centre (MSC)
Fixed terminal
The GSM-R System
GSM-R mobile technology
This central call-routing switch links together and connects to the base stations. The MSC confirms that users are authorised to use the system, connects calls between system users, and provides access to other networks if allowed.
It also receives information from other systems (such as the signalling system in areas where this is available), providing an accurate source of train location information that the MSC uses to route calls to the appropriate signaller/controller.
In-cab radio
Base station controller (BSC)
Mobile switching centre (MSC)
Fixed terminal
The GSM-R System
GSM-R mobile technology
Connected to the mobile switching centre (MSC) via our fixed telecommunications network (FTN), this allows calls and predefined text messaging between the operator and the in-cab radio.
Featuring a handset, PTT button, loudspeaker and display, it also gives the operator a list of all the users registered in each signaller’s area of control.
In-cab radio
Route control manager’s fixed terminal
Signaller’s fixed terminal
Electrical control operator’s fixed terminal
Base station controller (BSC)
Mobile switching centre (MSC)
Fixed terminal
The GSM-R System
GSM-R mobile technology
RegistrationDriver enters journey details into
in-cab radio, enabling GSM-R System to track train’s position, and displays
head code to the signaller.
Operational messagesDriver can send signaller a standard message (‘standing at signal’) while signaller can send driver a ‘contact
signaller’ message.
Call signallerDriver can make a standard priority
point to point call to the lead signaller for the train position.
Caution AcknowledgeSignaller can record a warning message to drivers about a trackside hazard. Each train reaching a particular signal section
will receive the broadcast message and can acknowledge receipt and
understanding by pressing a button on the in-cab radio (without having to stop
and talk to the signaller).
What processes does the GSM-R System support?
Urgent callDriver can make a point to point call to the signaller which takes priority
over any existing but lower priority call currently in progress. Used when there
is an immediate risk to one train.
Railway Emergency Call (REC)Driver can make a high priority call to
the lead signaller in the event of a grave and immediate risk of a safety incident
involving a number of trains – call is also broadcast to adjacent signallers, Route
control and all trains in a pre-defined area.
As well as fulfilling the safety recommendations from major incident enquiries, the GSM-R System ensures direct driver-signaller communications at all times, even in areas – such as tunnels and deep cuttings – where this had not previously been possible.
Why was it introduced?
Improve safety
Move away from analogue
Reduce operating costs
More rigorous standards
Why was it introduced?
By replacing the patchwork of increasingly inefficient and expensive legacy systems, the GSM-R System reduces ongoing maintenance costs while improving reliability and delivering the foundation for building a digitally-enabled railway network.
Improve safety
Move away from analogue
Reduce operating costs
More rigorous standards
Why was it introduced?
Previous driver-signaller communications relied on analogue radio networks – such as National Radio Network (NRN) – which had limited functionality and had become increasingly expensive to maintain and ever more unsustainable.
Improve safety
Move away from analogue
Reduce operating costs
More rigorous standards
Why was it introduced?
The requirement to comply with the European common standard for interoperability of digital data and voice communications in railway applications, plus Ofcom regulations for the withdrawal of NRN frequencies, were direct drivers for the introduction of the GSM-R System.
Improve safety
Move away from analogue
Reduce operating costs
More rigorous standards
Benefits at-a-glance
GSM-R
Increased safety Improved performance
Digital future Enhanced passenger experience
Increased safety
GSM-RReduced maintenanceBecause the system is remotely managed, communications can
be more easily restored – reducing the need for maintenance teams
to be trackside.
Railway Emergency Call (REC)
Driver can notify signaller and nearby drivers immediately of
observed risks (e.g. obstructions), ensuring faster and more
effective response.
Increased safety
In-cab radioEnables driver to communicate with signaller without having
to step off the train in the event of a problem, reducing risk.
GSM-R
Improved performance
Improved diagnosticsWhen delays do occur, the system enables better understanding of
the causes, which leads to remedial action that ensures incidents are
not repeated.
Reduced delay timeCaution Acknowledge feature
enables reduction in train delays caused by, for example, poor rail adhesion – a 30% reduction in
delay is forecast.
Greater coverageRadio coverage across Britain’s network, including tunnels and
cuttings, enables potential delay-causing problems to be
pinpointed and addressed faster.
Improved performance
Digital future
GSM-R
Reduced operating costsBy replacing a patchwork of legacy systems – including analogue radio networks – the system has reduced
ongoing maintenance costs.
Digital railwayThe system’s new telecoms infrastructure provides the
foundation for a modern, digitally-enabled railway network with increased stakeholder value.
Digital future
Foundation for ERTMSThe system’s Mobile and Fixed Telecoms Networks will support
the European Rail Traffic Management System, which will
replace traditional railway signals.
Enhanced passenger experience
GSM-R
Up-to-date informationDriver can keep passengers
better informed in the event of delays, reducing frustration and risks of passengers attempting
to disembark.
Better communicationDriver can communicate
instantly with the signaller, which ultimately enables passengers
to receive more accurate information more speedily.
Enhanced passenger experience
The journey so far
• System phased into service across Britain’s GSM-R radio network by the FTN GSM-R programme between 2007 and 2014
• Implementation has included the renewal of the entire line side Fixed Telecoms Network (FTN)
• Responsibility transferred to Network Rail Telecom in June 2014
• Now operational across 100% of Britain’s GSM-R network
• Future enhancements include a software upgrade supporting the roll-out of ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System)
15,000km+
4,056
Over 15,000km of railway lines covered
connected trains
forecast reduction in delays
2
£1,860,000,000 £1.86 billion investment
drivers and signallers trained
900signaller terminals
switching centres
2,500GSM-R telecoms masts
radio coverage across the GSM-R network
100%21,200
30%
The GSM-R System in numbers
• Project Artemis is a performance improvement programme focused on reducing train delay incidents attributed to the GSM-R System
• Initial roll-out of the GSM-R System had led to a number of issues that adversely impacted operational performance
• The formation of Project Artemis was one of a number of initiatives that were launched in response to these issues – another being an upgrade of the in-cab radio software
Introducing Project Artemis
• Asset Management• Design• Network Operations • Project Delivery • Performance• Communications• Delay Attribution
• Network Rail Operations• Train Operators • Freight Operators• ATOC • RSSB• Route Maintenance
Who is involved in Project Artemis?
Cross-functional Multidisciplined
Includes stakeholders from across all of Britain’s rail industry
The Project Artemis team
01
10
09
08
07 0605
02
0304
01 Scotland02 London North Eastern03 East Midlands04 Anglia05 Kent
TOC/FOC• Cab Fitment Project
• Operations
• Driver Standards
• Fleet Maintenance
NRT (Route)• Customer Service
• Asset
• Performance Relationship
Network Rail Route• Route Asset
• Route Communications Engineering
• Local Operations
06 Sussex07 Wessex08 Western09 Wales10 London North Western
Real-life understanding
Our approach for success
Collaboration Supporting ‘business as usual’
Continuous improvement
Reduced train delay incidents
Delivering actionable results
Real-life understanding
Our approach for success
Collaboration Supporting ‘business as usual’
Continuous improvement
Reduced train delay incidents
Delivering actionable results
To understand what’s actually going wrong, data has to be extracted from a large number
of different systems. Each system provides a different piece of the puzzle. Our skilled analysts combine and interpret this data, piecing the puzzle together to deliver actionable insights which
can drive real performance improvements.
Our approach for success
The causes of a delay incident are often complex, involving a chain of causes and effects that are not just technical. We make a broad evaluation of each incident – including real-life system and user behaviour to understand the interactions between software, hardware and users – ensuring
the underlying causes can be identified.
Real-life understanding
Collaboration Supporting ‘business as usual’
Continuous improvement
Reduced train delay incidents
Delivering actionable results
Our approach for success
With many current issues caused by the interaction between people, technology and processes, achieving success means working collaboratively with Routes and Operators – bringing together
their local knowledge and expertise with our technical analysis and system understanding to jointly drive performance improvements.
Real-life understanding
Collaboration Supporting ‘business as usual’
Continuous improvement
Reduced train delay incidents
Delivering actionable results
Our approach for success
Project Artemis is not intended to take over responsibility for existing ‘business as usual’
processes. The team will identify issues and make recommendations about how to fix them, and the existing operational teams will then carry out the fixes.
Real-life understanding
Collaboration Supporting ‘business as usual’
Continuous improvement
Reduced train delay incidents
Delivering actionable results
Our approach for success
We operate in a constantly changing environment, so Project Artemis is designed to be agile and
responsive, able to react quickly to new issues and changing circumstances in order to deliver sustainable, continuous improvement. There are few quick fixes – successfully addressing the
issues requires sustained effort and constant management.
Real-life understanding
Collaboration Supporting ‘business as usual’
Continuous improvement
Reduced train delay incidents
Delivering actionable results
Our approach for success
Performance improvement programme focused on reducing
GSM-R System attributed train delays.
Real-life understanding
Collaboration Supporting ‘business as usual’
Continuous improvement
Reduced train delay incidents
Delivering actionable results
What Project Artemis is not
• Project Artemis is not intended to replace the people, processes or responsibilities that will be expected to manage this in the BAU state
• While we are looking at all delay incidents attributed to the GSM-R Systems to identify root causes, we are not taking ownership of Network Rail Route, TOC/FOC responsibilities – we are here to help them to help themselves
• We are not here to enhance the network
• We are not here to provide desired/added features
• We are not here to pick up on other past or present project responsibilities
Challenge: Lack of visibility of signals at platformsQuite often, due to the varying length of trains, drivers can’t see the relevant signal and have been either relying on pocket reminders, memory or using the wildcard to register the GSM-R in-cab radios.
Solution: New repeater signalsNorthern Rail has made good progress in supporting drivers with the GSM-R radio registration process through the tactical placement of small blue and white signs on platforms, which means the signal number will now be much easier for drivers to read. These repeater signs have been implemented successfully at Carlisle, Sheffield, Hull and Bradford Interchange so far.
Lesson learnt: Importance of cooperation Northern Rail have been able to effectively prioritise the implementation of these new signs where they are most needed, thanks to feedback directly from drivers. Northern Rail has communicated the initiative on their employee Facebook page and are encouraging feedback via Driver Training Managers, meaning that everyone is working together for a better GSM-R System.
Collaboration is key. Everyone has a role to play in continuing to improve the GSM-R System.
Case Study: Northern Rail leads the way in improving the GSM-R System
Challenge: GSM-R registrations failing due to multiple symptomsThe initial introduction of GSM-R in Merseyside highlighted an urgent requirement to identify and resolve the fundamental reason for frequent GSM-R related train delays at New Brighton station. GSM-R registrations were failing due to: in-cab radios attaching to a wrong cell, driver initiated GSM-R registration attempts occurring before the requisite signaller initiated TD interpose and in-cab radios were locking up.
Solution: Driver and signaller briefs GSM-R network optimisationCollaboration between Merseyrail, Network Rail Operations and NRT resolved GSM-R registration rejections through: a reduction of transmitted radio power by two interfering Public Mobile Network Operators, physical changes being made to the serving GSM-R mast antenna orientation, software configurable parameters being modified and signaller and driver briefings on GSM-R registration and implementation of Bulletin 21.
Lesson learnt: Collaboration, teamwork and creation of a new GSM-R BulletinEmpowering Merseyrail to take the lead on this cross industry collaboration to improve GSM-R performance resulted in a very strong sense of ‘we are in this together’. Trustworthiness allowed trusting relationships to develop, enabling participants to communicate openly and honestly without the fear of reprisals. It was this specific development that enabled the team to rapidly identify, develop and deliver its action plans to improve GSM-R performance at New Brighton station. An initiative by Merseyrail drivers to recover the GSM-R network via their in-cab radio menu resulted in the national introduction of GSM-R Bulletin 38.
Case Study: Merseyrail GSM-R registration problems at New Brighton station
We have a positive story to tell
• The GSM-R System is already bringing benefits to the industry and we are making good progress in our efforts to reduce delays
• By delivering secure and reliable driver-signaller communications, the GSM-R System is increasing safety, improving performance and enhancing the experience of passengers across Britain’s rail network
• We are also creating the foundation for a modern, sustainable, digitally-enabled railway network delivering increased capacity and lower running costs
• Project Artemis is successfully reducing train delay incidents by working collaboratively with all stakeholders to identify and eliminate the causes of delay
Collaboration is key
• The GSM-R System matters to all of us
• All NRT employees have been briefed about the importance of the GSM-R System being regarded positively across the industry
• Reducing train delay incidents attributable to telecoms is featured on the NRT and Group Digital Railway performance scorecards. It also feeds into the Composite Reliability Index aspect of Network Rail’s corporate scorecard and so clearly impacts personal bonuses
• Please join us in working together to roll-out the initiatives detailed in this guide, to enable us to deliver higher performance for the GB Rail Industry
Help us communicate the right message
• We need your help to communicate a consistent message to our colleagues within the Routes and the broader industry
• We must ensure everyone has an accurate understanding of what the GSM-R System is, how it’s performing and how we need to work together to drive improvements
• Many of the issues we need to address are behavioural rather than technical, requiring a collective effort across the wider industry to deliver the behavioural changes needed
• Please take time to ensure that you understand the full story on the GSM-R System and keep up-to-date with the work of Project Artemis
• When communicating with your colleagues, please find opportunities to update them on the progress we are making with the GSM-R System and educate them about their role in delivering a more effective system